Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with serverhttp://ask.metafilter.com/tags/server
Questions tagged with 'server' at Ask MetaFilter.Tue, 10 Feb 2015 16:38:28 -0800Tue, 10 Feb 2015 16:38:28 -0800en-ushttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss60How to migrate blog and wiki away from Dreamhost — and to what?http://ask.metafilter.com/275764/How%2Dto%2Dmigrate%2Dblog%2Dand%2Dwiki%2Daway%2Dfrom%2DDreamhost%2Dand%2Dto%2Dwhat
I have had a number of technical difficulties with Dreamhost that have worsened over the last year and my account is up for a two-year renewal. I have two sites: one a WordPress blog and the other an old MediaWiki installation. What are good alternatives to Dreamhost, and how would I migrate the WP and wiki installations off their servers and onto the new hosting service?tag:ask.metafilter.com,2015:site.275764Tue, 10 Feb 2015 16:38:28 -0800a lungful of dragonGmail-like interface on my own domain, without using their servers?http://ask.metafilter.com/273641/Gmail%2Dlike%2Dinterface%2Don%2Dmy%2Down%2Ddomain%2Dwithout%2Dusing%2Dtheir%2Dservers
I would like to use the gmail interface for my own domain. Is this possible without relying on google servers, which are blocked in China? (details inside) Since earlier this week it's absolutely impossible to use gmail in China without a VPN. This sucks because my VPN drains my iPhone battery, which is why I won't keep it on all day and also creates conflicts with geofenced apps like the Philips Hue app. (I cannot switch on or off lights when the VPN is on.)<br>
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Hence what I would like to do it use my own existing domain and have the gmail interface running on it. Is this possible with paid Google Apps or do they require me to use their servers? Is there any way to get something similar running on my own? <br>
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(AWS is blocked on an on/off basis and won't work either. I tried using it as a VPN but it turned out to be not reliable enough from here.)tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.273641Mon, 29 Dec 2014 06:56:29 -0800krautlandWhich NAS is the best NAS, get all up in by BizNass....http://ask.metafilter.com/272482/Which%2DNAS%2Dis%2Dthe%2Dbest%2DNAS%2Dget%2Dall%2Dup%2Din%2Dby%2DBizNass
Home NAS software shoot-out December 2014 edition. Given the specs inside, what should I choose? I recently shut down my home IT business to take a juicy corporate gig. As a result, I've got a LOT of hardware sitting around. I've already got one server box running, but I kinda want a dedicated NAS and I have the hardware for it. Hoping someone can give me some pointers about what direction to run.<br>
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The box: an HP N40L Proliant server with 8Gb of RAM. (cruddy little Sempron)<br>
The drives: an assortment of NOT-ALIKE drives of different sizes, all SATA<br>
Proficiencies: Windows Server, Arch/Manjaro, Ubuntu/Mint<br>
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The real challenge here, I think, is that all the drives are different sizes and capacities, which may limit me to unRaid. Advice there is recommended too.<br>
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Do I unRaid, FreeNAS, FlexRaid, something else? Do I ZFS with that weak processor? Your input is much appreciated.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.272482Thu, 04 Dec 2014 06:38:40 -0800TomMeleeCan I browse files on my remote NAS using a VPN (and what is a VPN)?http://ask.metafilter.com/270590/Can%2DI%2Dbrowse%2Dfiles%2Don%2Dmy%2Dremote%2DNAS%2Dusing%2Da%2DVPN%2Dand%2Dwhat%2Dis%2Da%2DVPN
If I am at home, I would like to be able to easily work with files locally that are on the remote NAS at work. I have never used a VPN before and I run my own biz, so I am not certain if I am even thinking about this correctly. Basically, at my place of business I have a Synology NAS and several computers there that connect to that NAS to access files there. Currently, I can remotely connect via web-based services like LogMeIn or some of the web-based services that the Synology has, but it seems really slow and clunky so I thought this might be a better approach. I have been trying to get a grasp on how VPNs work, but most of the questions I have read on here seem to be from people that are using their works already functioning VPN. <br>
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Would a VPN allow me to map a folder locally on a Windows machine or connect directly to browse files in a Mac's finder? In other words, if I wanted to edit a jpeg, could I set it up so I could open it through Photoshop instead of the current method of downloading through some web interface and then edit it and re-upload it?<br>
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Synology has a package you can install called "VPN Server". If I install that, is that all I need? But then it has options for PPTP, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec. What are those? Are those the VPN? Is that a separate thing I need to buy? Can I do this all internally myself, or do I need to use an outside service like LogMeIn? One complicating factor is that I don't have access to the gateway router (sort of a large coworking-type space) and so I don't really have a permanent IP for port-forwarding type things.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.270590Sun, 26 Oct 2014 20:57:45 -0800This_Will_Be_GoodWhat does it take to launch a social media app?http://ask.metafilter.com/267918/What%2Ddoes%2Dit%2Dtake%2Dto%2Dlaunch%2Da%2Dsocial%2Dmedia%2Dapp
I'm talking about a start-up app that is like Instagram when it first started (in terms of server needs as well as the kind of professionals that are needed to make it happen). Are there any online resources that can help a layman with a budget explore the depths of such an ominous endeavor? I'm not worried about marketing because I have a detailed plan for that. What I'm talking about are the basics on how to launch such an app (iOS app, Android app, as well as a website).<br>
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Of course I know that I need a web developer, iOS/Android developers, and a graphic designer, but are there additional professionals I need to seek out?<br>
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I also need some helpful tips on where to start looking as far as server specs are concerned. For instance, what's a good size or a good service for that sort of thing? What kind of hardware am I looking at? Can I start on a Google or a Windows cloud and switch to my own once the app gains more traction? ...<br>
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What I need is something along the lines of "Mobile app start-up for dummies" or at least some resources about how an app like Instagram first started out as reference.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.267918Thu, 04 Sep 2014 17:08:42 -0800cyrusw8Windows Server vs Desktop OS for Running a Serverhttp://ask.metafilter.com/267229/Windows%2DServer%2Dvs%2DDesktop%2DOS%2Dfor%2DRunning%2Da%2DServer
I have to justify the extra cost of Windows Server over the desktop version and I'm having trouble finding what the advantages of Windows Server are. Can a server computer, being used as a server use a desktop OS? Is it advisable to do so? The OS would be installed on a server computer (RAID, multiple network cards, etc.). This server will be used for an industrial safety monitoring system (i.e. it needs to be on 24/7 except during maintenance). It will be sending out data to anywhere from 1-10 client computers and be receiving large amounts of data every second from an outside source. It will also be doing real-time calculations on the data.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.267229Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:21:30 -0800exolsticeAnyone have experience with Minecraft Realms?http://ask.metafilter.com/263764/Anyone%2Dhave%2Dexperience%2Dwith%2DMinecraft%2DRealms
I'm considering purchasing Minecraft Realms for my sons and their friends, but I have a few reservations. Looking for tales from early adopters. For background, I've been playing since early beta, and I've run servers for my son and his friends before (bukkit). Frankly, running a server really sucked. I have very little free time and just could not keep up with version control, whitelists, handling griefers etc.<br>
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It looks like Realms solves the complexity problem (albeit at the cost of texture or resource packs, but I'm fine with vanilla). I'm concerned, however, because no where does Mojang (or the wiki) delineate <em>exactly</em> what commands are available to Ops. For example, could I as Op work in Creative to build cool dungeons for the players working Survival? If everyone is tired of our world, can I just start up a new one or are you stuck with the first one out of the gate? <br>
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Anyway, all experiences, tales of woe or joy much appreciated!tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.263764Wed, 18 Jun 2014 01:53:18 -0800digitalprimateBest shoes and pants for a waiter?http://ask.metafilter.com/262958/Best%2Dshoes%2Dand%2Dpants%2Dfor%2Da%2Dwaiter
Hey all. I'm starting a new job as a server on Monday, and I have to bring my own black pants and black non-slip shoes. This is my first time working in a restaurant outside of the bar or kitchen, so I'm not sure where to go (online or in person, I work in DC) to get the requisite gear, and what I should buy. United servers of MeFi--any recommendations on work pants and shoes?tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.262958Tue, 03 Jun 2014 08:22:54 -0800oneironautTemporary PIN authentication mechanism for a Jabber serverhttp://ask.metafilter.com/262059/Temporary%2DPIN%2Dauthentication%2Dmechanism%2Dfor%2Da%2DJabber%2Dserver
Is there a way to add temporary PIN authentication in order to add a contact in Jabber (to a server running ejabberd)? Essentially I don't want to expose the underlying user id for a user but want a temporary PIN generated by the user to be added as an authentication mechanism for another user to add the user with this pin. Similar to two-factor authentication, except the PIN is the only factor in this case (and only to add the user - where the real user id remains hidden). The PIN expires every 30 seconds.<br>
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Example:<br>
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A asks server to generate a PIN, A gets PIN and shows it on the screen.<br>
B reads off screen on phone owned by A and punches it in.<br>
The server allows the B and A to be on each other's buddy list.<br>
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Even if not using ejabberd as a Jabber server but using another platform, does a solution like this exist for self-hosted/cloud-hosted Jabber?tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.262059Sat, 17 May 2014 11:34:33 -0800antglyInstalling Fedora Commons on OS X Mavericks Serverhttp://ask.metafilter.com/259086/Installing%2DFedora%2DCommons%2Don%2DOS%2DX%2DMavericks%2DServer
Digital librarians of Metafilter: I am looking for installation and configuration documentation to get Fedora Commons 3.7 up and running on a Mac OS X (Mavericks) server. Surprisingly, my googling has not yet yielded an up-to-date OS X-specific guide. Can anyone point me to such documentation? Or have you installed Fedora Commons on your OS X server, and have any tips? I can probably hack my way to the solution from the existing Fedora Commons installation documentation, and I'm comfortable on the command line and understand most basic *nix server administration issues. My server runs all the right versions of Java, MySQL, etc. I've installed many CMS packages on OS X server. <br>
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But I'd love to not have to guess and experiment. I'm betting Mac OSX server installations are common enough that someone must have written an up-to-date step by step installation guide. Various quirks of OS X server admin are discussed w/r/t Fedora Commons all over the web, but many of them are out of date or obscure. <br>
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Help is much appreciated, with thanks in advance!<br>
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(Please note I am not talking about Red Hat Fedora Linux; this is the duraspace Fedora Commons asset management system.)tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.259086Sat, 22 Mar 2014 09:22:05 -0800spitbullHow to get Zotero talking to my home Webdav server?http://ask.metafilter.com/258320/How%2Dto%2Dget%2DZotero%2Dtalking%2Dto%2Dmy%2Dhome%2DWebdav%2Dserver
I've set up a webdav service on my home server and am trying to back up my Zotero files onto it. The webdav service seems to work perfectly through a browser or cadaver but Zotero just stalls -- any suggestions? I would ask this question on the Zotero forums but they refuse to answer questions about webdav configuration. Generally I know enough to make trouble for myself but I am not an IT expert by any stretch of the imagination, so please let me know if I should provide more information.<br>
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I already had apache installed so I followed <a href="https://www.digitalocean.com/community/articles/how-to-configure-webdav-access-with-apache-on-ubuntu-12-04">this guide</a> to set up webdav on my computer. The service seems to be working ok. I can add and remove files through a client like Cyberduck and can see them through a browser. When I try to have Zotero sync with it, however, I click "Verify Server" which never finishes -- it just continues until I click "Stop." Here's the relevant part of the logs with personal information removed:<br>
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<i>(3)(+0000052): WebDAV file sync is not active<br>
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(3)(+0000000): Getting WebDAV password<br>
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(3)(+0000007): HTTP OPTIONS for http://username:********@some.thing.com/webdav/zotero/<br>
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(3)(+0000095): Date: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 19:23:39 GMT<br>
Server: Apache/2.2.22 (Ubuntu)<br>
DAV: 1,2, <http><br>
MS-Author-Via: DAV<br>
Allow: OPTIONS,GET,HEAD,POST,DELETE,TRACE,PROPFIND,PROPPATCH,COPY,MOVE,LOCK,UNLOCK<br>
Content-Length: 0<br>
Keep-Alive: timeout=5, max=100<br>
Connection: Keep-Alive<br>
Content-Type: httpd/unix-directory<br>
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(3)(+0000000): <br>
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(3)(+0000000): ===&gt;200<><prop><getcontentlength></getcontentlength></prop> to http://username:********@some.thing.com/webdav/zotero/ </></http></i><br>
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There's nothing obviously relevant after the propfind request.<br>
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If it helps, here's the relevant part of the server configuration (from /etc/apache2/sites-available):<br>
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<i><virtualhost><br>
ServerAdmin webmaster@localhost<br>
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DocumentRoot /var/www/<br>
<directory><br>
Options FollowSymLinks<br>
AllowOverride None<br>
</directory><br>
<directory><br>
Options Indexes FollowSymLinks MultiViews<br>
AllowOverride None<br>
Order allow,deny<br>
allow from all<br>
</directory><br>
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Alias /webdav/ /media/seagate/webdav/<br>
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<location><br>
Options Indexes<br>
DAV On<br>
AuthType Basic<br>
AuthName "webdav"<br>
AuthUserFile /etc/apache2/webdav.password<br>
Require valid-user<br>
</location></virtualhost></i><br>
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Thanks so much for your help.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.258320Fri, 07 Mar 2014 11:31:31 -0800crazy with starsCan I easily configure a domain name that works locally and remotely.http://ask.metafilter.com/255666/Can%2DI%2Deasily%2Dconfigure%2Da%2Ddomain%2Dname%2Dthat%2Dworks%2Dlocally%2Dand%2Dremotely
I'm in the process of setting up a home server that I would like to be able to address by the same domain name ( www.whatever.org ) both from the outside world and from within my home network. Is there an easy way to do this? I'm in the process of setting up a home server that I would like to be able to address by the same domain name ( www.whatever.org ) both from the outside world and from within my home network.<br>
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To do the first part, I would buy the domain name, direct it to my router, and NAT the address to my server. I can use a dynamic dns provider to quickly and automatically redirect the domain name if my home ip address changes. I've done this before.<br>
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The second part is where I run into problems. <br>
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If I try to use the same ip address to get to the server from inside my home network, I run into NAT related problems. I believe this happens because outgoing packets from the server don't get NAT'ed back to the local client properly. (Even if this did work, it would be a long path for a packet to take to get from one machine to another that are on the same local network - but that's beside the point ).<br>
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I can locally set the ip address for the server on a per client basis but that's (1) a lot of busy work (2) probably going to cause problems when I want to access the network locally and remotely from the same machine - maybe a laptop and (3) something I don't even know how to do in all cases - a phone for example.<br>
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I can configure my own local name server to direct my domain name to the local ip address and direct local queries to that server. That's probably also going to have problems if I move a machine from local to remote. Also it seems like a overly complicated hack.<br>
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What I'm hoping for is an easy way to do this. It seems like a problem that must come up for a lot of people. <br>
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The clients could be windows machines, linux machines, or android phones. <br>
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Thanks for reading and for any responses.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2014:site.255666Mon, 20 Jan 2014 13:56:37 -0800metadaveMavericks Serverhttp://ask.metafilter.com/253892/Mavericks%2DServer
I am replacing an old XServe running Snow Leopard Server with a Mac Mini which is currently running Mountain Lion Server. I would like to know what is the best way to do this. I've bought a Mac Mini to replace an aging XServe. Currently the Mac Mini is running Mountain Lion.<br>
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This is my plan<br>
1. Upgrade to Mavericks<br>
2. Migrate data and settings from the old server<br>
3. Install Mavericks Server App from the App Store<br>
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The server is the domain controller and is used for DHCP etc and local file storage. <br>
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Mac Gurus - is this the right way to do things?tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.253892Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:35:23 -0800chairishWhat can i do with a (cloud) server?http://ask.metafilter.com/252324/What%2Dcan%2Di%2Ddo%2Dwith%2Da%2Dcloud%2Dserver
Someone linked to <a href="http://cloudatcost.com/">CloudatCost</a> on Metafilter recently and, on a whim, I sprung for the $35 for life plan -- so I'm now the proud owner of a virtual cloud server. But I'm kind of a doofus and don't know what I can actually do with it. Please explain any idea you might have as if you were talking to a 5-year old. Here are a some of my of dumb questions: I own a couple of different domain names (currently with 1and1.com) -- is that something I'd be able to host/register on my new server for "free"? Also, I have a very, very simple HTML-only website for my mother-in-law's company also through 1and1 -- is there an easy way to host a very simple website on a cloud server? Are there free templates I can use? I also assume I'd be able to host photos, music, and a private dropbox -- would any of those endeavors be worth it compared to the free alternatives currently available? Thanks so much for any and all ideas.<br>
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When I log in to server, I get to the console and am at a loss. So I'm also looking for simple resources on how to even begin to think about this and navigate a Linux console. The server is currently configured with CentOS, but Ubuntu and Debian are also available.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.252324Wed, 20 Nov 2013 20:50:24 -0800AwkwardPauseIdeas for a low powered home server running Linux...http://ask.metafilter.com/252044/Ideas%2Dfor%2Da%2Dlow%2Dpowered%2Dhome%2Dserver%2Drunning%2DLinux
I'm not going to be doing much with this. I already have a NAS so this won't be a file server. I just want it to do a few things such as XBMC, OpenVPN server, Squeezebox server, etc.
It's going to be on 24/7, and I don't want it to use much power. Since it is isn't going to be doing too much, I don't want too spend much.
I tried the Raspberry Pi, but it doesn't have enough power. It can run one of these applications perfectly, but it can't run much more at the same time. Same with an old PogoPlug.
I was thinking about one of these: <a href="http://www.element14.com/community/community/knode/single-board_computers/next-gen_beaglebone?CMP=KNC-USA-Knode-NGBeagleB">Beaglebone Black</a>? <a href="https://store.iotllc.com/product.php?productid=38&cat=0&featured=Y">CubieTruck</a>? An old<a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=dell+mini&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR11.TRC1.A0&_nkw=dell+mini&_sacat=0"> Dell Mini 9</a>?
If anyone has any ideas or can tell me about their low powered/low cost server, I'd appreciate it.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.252044Sat, 16 Nov 2013 06:49:11 -0800toddstNetworking (maybe?) our Macshttp://ask.metafilter.com/251189/Networking%2Dmaybe%2Dour%2DMacs
My wife and I use Macs, iOS devices, and Apple networking gear. We're thinking about sharing the desk where my Mac Pro is; as a result, if she needs the desk, and I need a computer, I'd have to use her MacBook Pro. What's the best way to network our computers so that we could do our work from whatever computer we're using, have music and/or programs available, etc.? Some details inside. My Mac Pro has 5 internal HDs (using the second optical bay for an SSD), and at least another 5 external drives for photos, old documents etc. I expect if my wife were to use my Mac, she'd just log in to my user account, where I have a lot of our household documents (bank statements, budget, plus iTunes, Spotify, movies). <br>
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My wife has a standard Mac Book Pro from a few years ago; I think I'd create a new account for me on her machine, since she keeps her icons tiny, and all I'd ever use it for is internet, Word/Excel, and Garageband, and may need files off of my many hard drives.<br>
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We tend to keep each machine asleep when not in use. We'd like to ensure that any work either of us did on the other's machine is available once we go back to our respective computers.<br>
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How do we do this? Should we get a little Mac Mini to act as a file server/HTPC (and if so, how? I don't actually know how this would work)? Provided that both machines are awake, could I get files off of my account on her machine if she's logged in to her own account? If our home WiFi network is password protected, what (if any) additional security should we set up to share our hard drives with each other (given that she's wifi-only, though I'm wired to our Airport base station)?<br>
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Also, is there a way to have, say, the Haddock documents folder on the laptop automatically copied to a folder on my Mac Pro?<br>
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Many thanks!tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.251189Fri, 01 Nov 2013 07:43:08 -0800Admiral HaddockAny one know of any on call Server Tech Support Services?http://ask.metafilter.com/251099/Any%2Done%2Dknow%2Dof%2Dany%2Don%2Dcall%2DServer%2DTech%2DSupport%2DServices
Can anyone recommend a service to be able to do simple windows server support on as needed basis, who are available on call round the clock?tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.251099Wed, 30 Oct 2013 11:22:32 -0800naveedServing Mediamonkeyhttp://ask.metafilter.com/250113/Serving%2DMediamonkey
How can I use an old laptop and a MyBook NAS drive to develop a music setup suitable for my modest needs? This is what I want to do:<br>
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I have music stored on a NAS drive, the MyBook Live which comes with Twonky (not set up). I want to be able to use my new laptop to update my iPod Nano - both music and podcasts - using MediaMonkey. I want to be able to do this remotely, ie when I'm travelling.<br>
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I would also like to be able to channel my music library to our music system - at present we just hook up the iPod to the amp when need be, which is foolish and time consuming.<br>
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I don't use iTunes. I like MediaMonkey but will reluctantly consider switching.<br>
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I also have an old laptop running Windows 7 which I am happy to turn into a server if need be (and if I have a good guide on how to do this). If so, I would like to also be able to use it as a print server on our home network. It is currently connected via ethernet cable to the wireless router as its wifi card is dead.<br>
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<strong>Can you direct me to, or provide, step by step instructions on how to achieve this?</strong> I have enough savvy that I can figure things out if I have a starting point, but I haven't found anything suitable yet, especially since an upcoming trip means I don't have much time for tinkering.<br>
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Here is the hardware we have.<br>
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- WD MyBookLive<br>
- Old laptop running Windows 7 - can be cannibalised<br>
- New laptop running Windows 7<br>
- iPod Nano 6th gen<br>
- iPad 2<br>
- Nexus 7 tablet<br>
- Two Android phones<br>
- An elderly HP DeskjetJet printer/ scanner<br>
- a PS3 which takes care of all other media needs and is hooked up to our Denon amp.<br>
- (for what it's worth) a Harmony Ultimate remote<br>
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All these are located in one room - we're in a small London flat for the foreseeable future, so there is no need for multi-room solutions.<br>
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And finally: I am someone who doesn't stream outside Netflix or download stuff other than podcasts for my iPod and ebooks for my Kindle. Any creative suggestions for making fuller use of this setup?tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.250113Sat, 12 Oct 2013 04:34:21 -0800tavegylMacbook to media server.http://ask.metafilter.com/250036/Macbook%2Dto%2Dmedia%2Dserver
What's the best way to utilize this busted up macbook (and other bits and pieces from the house) as a media hub/server? My old faithful 2008-ish white macbook finally reached the point of retirement for daily use. The screen is going out (uhg, again) and the superdrive doesn't work, but everything else works just fine (video card is fine, as when plugged into another screen. the machine works great). Currently we have snow-leopard installed on it, and it has a 750g hard drive living inside.<br>
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I'd would like to use this little machine as long as possible, and repurpose it as a media server-ish/pipeline for our living room. <br>
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<strong>Things we would like to accomplish, in order of importance</strong><br>
-Netflix and Amazon streaming<br>
-Hulu streaming<br>
-Youtube watching<br>
-DVD viewing (and possibly storing ripped copies of movies we own)<br>
-Wii gaming (which we still do occasionally)<br>
-Itunes streaming/housing audio library<br>
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<strong>Things we have in the current setup:</strong><br>
-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002ZWU33U/metafilter-20/ref=nosim/">Optima 66 HD Projector</a> <br>
-a Wii (which currently acts as our netflix hub, and occasionally we dust off and play games on).<br>
-a vintage harmon kardon receiver in great shape that everything is piped through for sound.<br>
-a 2nd gen ipod touch runs directly into the stereo aux port for music playing<br>
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<strong>Other technology in the house that could be used for the setup</strong><br>
-1st gen ipod touch with a broken audio out line (remote maybe? I'm willing to jailbreak this)<br>
-1st gen ipad that mostly is used by the child<br>
-wireless keyboard<br>
-2 iphone 4S's live in the house<br>
-a new-to-us refurbished june 2012 13" macbook pro (with working superdrive!) <br>
-another 2008-ish white macbook that had a pint of coffee spilled on it, that <em>could</em> be canibalized for parts if we needed<br>
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Assume any reasonably priced software, cords, cables or other peripherals would be purchased for the setup (with a max budget of like $80 bucks, but less is better).<br>
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I've seen a couple tutorials online on how to accomplish this, but we have such a mish-mash of technology that's half busted and older-gen stuff, that we're trying to utilize, the tutorials don't seem all that applicable or we have key pieces missing. The different options for software to run pretty far and wide too, so i'm pretty confused by all that. Our desire is to have something fairly unified in appearance and use...Ideally, we'd love to stream everything through something like the Wii, but it doesn't do DVD's, and only pipes in hulu-plus., which we're not willing to pay for. <br>
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How should we go about unifying all these different media streams into one pipeline, using this old busted up macbook? I'm having trouble mapping it all out.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.250036Thu, 10 Oct 2013 14:05:12 -0800furnace.heartMX Servers / DNS Zone File questionhttp://ask.metafilter.com/249960/MX%2DServers%2DDNS%2DZone%2DFile%2Dquestion
I have a domain name hosted by GoDaddy. For a year or so now I've not had a website, I've just had some DNS settings which 1) routed my email to gApps using MX records and 2) allowed me to use Jabber through the domain name by pointing the XMBB I now have a website so on Sunday I changed name servers to point at the webhost (Rackspace) and when that happened, Jabber stopped working but email did not. <br>
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I have checked what MX records my domain is returning using a couple of online tools and it's STILL returning the gmail servers I setup on Godaddy which I guess must be why email is still working. <br>
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I had read that changing nameservers would mess up the MX records (&amp; that I'd need to change at the new name server?) but this hasn't happened...<br>
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When I now go to look at the zone file on GoDaddy I get "The zone file is unavailable because the domain's set nameservers do not belong to this registrar.".<br>
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This message took a couple of days to appear. For a long while I could still see and edit the settings.<br>
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When I check the <a href="http://mxtoolbox.com/SuperTool.aspx?action=mx%3aprivate.co.uk&run=toolpage">MX record tool</a> it shows:-<br>
"Reported by ns.rackspace.com on 10/9/2013 at 1:18:01 PM (UTC -5), just for you."<br>
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so I guess the question is how does Rackspace know what MX servers I would like? Did it <strong>inherit</strong> them from Godaddy?<br>
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Thanks!tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.249960Wed, 09 Oct 2013 11:20:53 -0800danceHelp get my head in the cloudhttp://ask.metafilter.com/249862/Help%2Dget%2Dmy%2Dhead%2Din%2Dthe%2Dcloud
My company has about 40 employees and five Windows based in-house servers. About half our staff work remotely (using a terminal server) and we have redundant Internet connections. Over the years we have built up a decent data center involving battery backup and tape archival. As I look to the 2014 budget, which would involve upgrading two servers, I have been asked if we should go to the cloud. I'm honestly finding it hard to evaluate this and hope some others may be able to help me improve my pro/con listing. Extra credit for suggestions to evaluate the costs. We run a small business server (2008R1) with Exchange 2007. This also acts as our file server that shares our network drive. The lion's share of data that we backup and utilize day to day lives on that one server. Our other four servers are for terminal services and a handful of specific applications.<br>
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The impetus to look into the cloud was while researching some on site disaster recovery appliances (Axcient and DattoBackup) and the question was posed if we would have less need for a fail over server if we were cloud based. To my mind this would only be true if the hosting provider, as a matter of contract, had spare hardware and was prepared to build up a new server in the event of a disaster. Moving the hardware and/or data onto servers in a co-location facility only eliminates risks that threaten the hardware in our building. A legion of other risks that threaten the data still exist if it is hosted.<br>
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The Pro side I see to getting out of the small business running a server closet scenario are:<br>
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1) We can dial down our Internet connectivity requirements. We pay good money for Metro Ethernet because downtime affects 20+ people.<br>
2) A data center would likely have spare hardware that I don't have in the event of a disaster<br>
3) Their facility is likely more secure<br>
4) Presumably some offerings involve the ability to scale up your cpu and disk space needs as you grow, versus upgrading servers wholesale.<br>
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The Con side seems:<br>
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1) Everybody works remote. Presently half of the staff enjoy LAN speed for data access. While terminal services is empowering, it just isn't as fast as using a workstation on a LAN.<br>
2) I have a good working relationship with an IT support company local to me. We have worked together for seven years and I have some doubts if I'll get as good of support and service from a hosted facility as I get with them coming to me on site for routine and urgent matters.<br>
3) I still think we would need a disaster recovery system. Data and systems fail in data centers too.<br>
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Am I missing something? From what I can tell moving the servers off site doesn't help very much. I sense the problem may be that I'm thinking primarily of this in terms of <em>where the server resides</em> while cloud computing proper is about provisioning of resources. The problem is that everything I read about it seems to over promise and is light on the details of just how your applications run in the environment. This uncertainty makes me inclined to the devil I know, but I'm really open to points of view on this.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.249862Tue, 08 Oct 2013 08:08:27 -0800dgranAngling for a promotion in a restaurant - help!http://ask.metafilter.com/249431/Angling%2Dfor%2Da%2Dpromotion%2Din%2Da%2Drestaurant%2Dhelp
I am working as a restaurant hostess, and I am making, on average, maybe $14/hour, often with really short shifts. This is not enough. I have some serving experience, I want to be a server, but I'm not sure how to best go about it. Working in a restaurant is a good fit for my lifestyle right now (low monthly expenses, need the flexibility) and I am happier in a job that has me running around than sitting at a desk. My original plan was to try to supplement my hostessing income with another part-time job, but finding a keeping and scheduling such a second/third job is not really working out right now. Should I stick it out at one restaurant, or just look elsewhere? I am currently working as a hostess at two restaurants. I will no longer be working as a hostess at one of them due to mutual scheduling problems after the next couple of weeks. I am mostly bummed because the staff at that restaurant is awesome and I enjoyed working there, but I only worked there one or two shifts a week and they tip out everyone and their mother, so while I suppose I will miss the money, it wasn't much.<br>
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But, I have comfortably paid my bills this month thanks to a personal assistant job that only lasted a couple weeks (wasn't fired, the person just didn't end up needing me that much) and a freelance job. While I am hopeful that I will rustle up another freelance gig for next month, I'm getting more hours at work, and I do have some savings, I am sick of feeling so much stress about money. I really and truly am not making enough money at my main job despite working five shifts a week. I have been there for only a few months and I am not the most senior host, and I doubt that they would promote me directly to being a server without having me work as an expeditor. The expeditors get a larger share of the tip pool than the hosts, but their shifts are really short and the money would, at best, even out.<br>
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I am a good hostess, but I am also good at server stuff. When I'm not busy, I run drinks and food, drop checks, clear tables, etc. and the servers like me and appreciate my help. I have fine dining experience and I cringe when I see people serving without an open stance or reaching across or making other rookie server mistakes. I know the menu and I can sell the food enthusiastically. I have used a POS system, and when the server or bartenders are busy, sometimes they will log me into the POS system and I'll put in an order for them. (Probably against the rules). Blah blah blah. This shit isn't rocket science, but I feel like I'm beating my head against a wall. My managers are young and inexperienced, and I know that they feel pressure to be stern and stay on top of the staff. As a result, I have no idea if they think I'm doing a good job or not. <br>
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I do have some serving experience, but not in a restaurant, and not recently. I work hard, I'm a good-looking girl (that's supposed to help, right?), and I should have a great reference from the restaurant that I have to leave in the next few weeks. My availability isn't awesome for the next couple of weeks, but I am trying to have a plan of attack for my job hunt when I can start it up again and/or figure out how to approach my managers and ask for a promotion.<br>
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Restaurant industry mefites, how the hell do I get out of Hostess Limbo? Do I need to just suck it up and put in more time? Is restaurant hopping bad? This is in Los Angeles, and I am one of many out of work actors looking for a restaurant job. Not expecting it to be easy. Should I try chain restaurants? Or working as a cocktail waitress? I'm working at chef-driven, kind of hip restaurants right now and I enjoy working for people who really care about the food they serve, but I am, obviously, willing to look elsewhere. (Except for catering, because the money and the work is terrible. Only if I'm really desperate for money. Let's just not talk about cater waitering, please).<br>
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(Note: I did not make it through training at <a href="http://ask.metafilter.com/244690/Heres-your-uh-rollthing">this job</a> because my lack of Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge were a big problem. Kind of a bummer, but it wasn't a good fit).tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.249431Mon, 30 Sep 2013 13:37:12 -0800ablazingsaddleTell me what DVD copier / player to gethttp://ask.metafilter.com/248495/Tell%2Dme%2Dwhat%2DDVD%2Dcopier%2Dplayer%2Dto%2Dget
I have a shipload of DVDs that are continually getting scratched. I want to set up a server with lots of DVDs so the kids can play them from the server rather than from the media. Stipulating that I would only do this if it were legal in my jurisdiction, what setup will:<ol><li>Allow me to store DVDs intermittently with the minimum amount of key clicks;</li><li>Let my kids play DVDs with the least amount of parental intervention on a Sunday morning;</li><li>Preferably work without an Internet connection, because WiFi is pretty bad at that end of the house - but if it makes adding DVDs easier I'll work something out.</li></ol>I don't especially care about recording TV shows; I just want an easy way to add DVDs into the system and an easy way for the kids to access them. Assume I can use a command line but only with recourse to manuals.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.248495Sun, 15 Sep 2013 02:24:46 -0800Joe in AustraliaIf I've upgraded PHP on my Mac, should I now avoid all OS X Updates?http://ask.metafilter.com/247845/If%2DIve%2Dupgraded%2DPHP%2Don%2Dmy%2DMac%2Dshould%2DI%2Dnow%2Davoid%2Dall%2DOS%2DX%2DUpdates
If I've upgraded PHP on my Mac, should I now avoid all OS X Updates? I'm hosting a website on a Mac mini in a datacenter, and some of my software required a newer version of PHP than what's included out-of-the-box in OS X Mountain Lion. I keep getting the notification saying system updates are ready, and restart to install. But I'm scared it's going to overwrite my PHP upgrades and break everything. And it took me an insanely long time to get the PHP upgrade to work properly and play nicely with OS X Server.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.247845Tue, 03 Sep 2013 23:00:05 -0800ferdinandccWhat is an "ideal" cloud storage or managed hosting server setup?http://ask.metafilter.com/245836/What%2Dis%2Dan%2Dideal%2Dcloud%2Dstorage%2Dor%2Dmanaged%2Dhosting%2Dserver%2Dsetup
My company is looking to get in on the managed services/cloud server hosting side of the business. Think of what Amazon Cloud Services does with their pay as you go servers. I don't have much experience at all with this but have been asked to put some input. What is a standard, reliable, scalable configuration I could suggest? I'm no IT Architect, just an IT manager but I'd like to be able to contribute something here. The requirements:<br>
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1. a reliable rack mounted system<br>
2. 4-8 amps power consumption<br>
3. quad or octo-core CPU server capable of handling about 125 servers from the rack<br>
4. rack should include router/switch, RAID storage, server hardware and a UPS backup.tag:ask.metafilter.com,2013:site.245836Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:50:37 -0800PetiePal